Christian politics

Is there such a thing as Christian politics? The answer is in the affirmative. Christian politics aim first and foremost to serve the human person in his and her own totality before the always-tempting partisan interests.

It is mainly concerned with the safeguarding of human rights, justice and fair distribution of wealth in a context of sharing, renewal and communion.

It is the Christian's faith role, particularly that of the Word of God, to inspire any political programme by the values of the Gospel. This is politics with a capital P. The other kind of politics, with a small p, is that which involves the political parties, trade unions, political manifestos etc. The latter is only the instrument through which Politics is carried out.

Seen from this perspective, politics is the mediation that translates the values of God's Word in everyday life. It is an inculturation of the Christian faith.

Thus, Pope Pius XI was completely right when he said that politics is the second highest form of charity. When exercised with the Spirit of Gospel service, it really promotes the integral good of one's neighbour both on a national and international scale.